X-23 is one of the rare Marvel – or even comic book – characters who debuted outside of the comic books and only later made her first appearance inside the comic book Marvel universe.

X-23, aka Laura Kinney, was actually created by Craig Kyle for the X-Men: Evolution TV series, and the idea was so strong she has since become a major part of the X-Men, Wolverine, and Marvel Universe fabric.

In my opinion X-23 is easily one of the best new Marvel concepts of the 2000’s, expanding on the Wolverine and Weapon X legacy with a character who has grown tremendously throughout the below comics!

Note that The Complete Collection Vol. 1 concludes with the first three issues of Marjorie Liu’s excllent 2010 run on X-23. I’d recommend holding off on these issues until you’re ready to start The Complete Collection Vol. 2, and to pair these first three issues with Wolverine Goes to Hell by Jason Aaron.

Craig Kyle and Chris Yost bring X-23 into the New X-Men (not to be confused with Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s The New X-Men – this is the series that follows in 2005). X-23 brings a new dynamic to the new, young school of X-kids, sparking one of the best X-sagas of the mid-2000’s.

While we never got quite as far as X-23: Avenger, joining the Avengers Academy is pretty darn close. Laura joins another school of gifted youngsters, only this time it sets her up for Marvel Now’s take on Hunger Games…

Avengers Arena is quite deliberately a Hunger Games rip-off, but also a consistently fascinating series with perpetually high stakes. As you’d expect, a killing field represents a unique kind of challenge for X-23.

IV) All-New All-Different Wolverine

2014’s “Death of Wolverine” event sets the stage for a more prominent role for X-23 in the Marvel Universe. I recommend the full Death of Wolvy reading order above to explore X-23’s reaction and role in titles like Logan’s Legacy.

All-New All-Different Marvel marks the start of new territory for Laura Kinney, as she adopts the mantle of Wolverine. Writer Tom Taylor (of DC’s Injustice fame) brings his unique blend of action and comedy to one of Marvel’s most interesting ongoing titles through 2015 and 2016.

V) Return of X-23

Heroically Support Comic Book Herald!

If you like Comic Book Herald, and are able to donate, any small contribution will help keep CBH alive and full of new comics guides and content. Donate here! Or, support CBH on Patreon for exclusive rewards! Thank you for reading!

About Dave

Dave is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Comic Book Herald, and also the Boss of assigning himself fancy titles. He's a long-time comic book fan, and can be seen most evenings in Batman pajama pants. Contact Dave @comicbookherald on Twitter or via email at dave@comicbookherald.com.

Actually Avengers Arena is an ode to Battle Royale, which Hunger Games drew inspiration from, or they probably ripped them off. If you haven’t seen that movie I highly recommend it. It is more bloody and more action packed than the Hunger Games. Also very underrated film, also the cover for Avengers Arena is an ode to Battle Royale.